DENVER -- State Sen. Dean Florez told members of the 441-member California Democratic Party earlier Monday that he predicts the Golden State will play a much larger role in this fall's presidential election than just that of campaign checkbook.

"Make no mistake, California will be a bellwether state in this election," Florez (D-Shafter) told the excited audience.

Echoing Florez in a separate interview a few moments later was U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee. Lee had, perhaps, a less optimistic take on California's role in the election.

"We have to make sure the California stays in the ‘blue' column and we have to make sure that all of our Democrats are re-elected to office and I'm confident we will do this," Lee (D-Oakland) said.

On the issue of bringing aboard the dissident Hillary Clinton supporters in the party, Lee said she understands and appreciates their feelings.

"Let me tell you that as a (former) psychiatric social worker I do understand and can relate to what they're going through," Lee said. "But I suspect that eventually these good folks will eventually unify with us because they know that a John McCain presidency will set us all back years in so many important areas."